Counter Terrorism Meeting in Bali February 4-5

Ministers from 23 Regional Powers Expected to Attend.

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(1/26/2004)

Ministers from 23 Asia-Pacific countries, six international organizations, and representatives of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Australia are all expected to attend a meeting on counter terrorism scheduled to be held in Bali February 4-5, 2004.

The meeting, co-sponsored by the Indonesian and Australian Governments, was agreed to by both governments just days after the July 29, 2003 bombing of the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta that left 12 dead and many others injured.

The meeting will mark the opening of a counter terrorism center in Indonesia funded by Australia and Indonesia and is expected to explore ways to increase cooperation in the war on terror among law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The meeting will also reportedly draft an agreement for the establishment of a central forensic laboratory and anti-terror training center.